Letters to the Editor: Aug. 23, 2023

Longtime Dealer Jack Beymer Retires

Jack Beymer, numismatic dealer extraordinaire of Santa Rosa, Calif., recently announced his retirement after having been a full-time coin dealer in our wonderful hobby/industry since 1971!

Having known Jack for over 40 years, I can unequivocally state that he was one of the most honest dealers I have known ... “integrity”should have been his middle name. His knowledge in reference to all numismatic series and denominations was uncanny, and I am proud to say that he inspired and mentored me decades ago before I became a full-time dealer.

Jack’s highly professional yet laid-back, straightforward business dealings went beyond the normal call of duty. For example, I once purchased a four-figure early copper rarity from him that was uncertified. I felt the coin had a solid potential to increase in value so I relegated it to my bank vault where it reposed, untouched, for several years. In the interim, the coin, indeed, began increasing in value so I submitted it to the Professional Coin Grading Service for authentication and grading. Alas, the coin was subsequently returned, uncertified, with a note attached that read: “Genuine, altered surfaces.” I was dismayed to say the least as the surfaces of the coin appeared to exhibit total originality. I decided to wait for several months in order to resubmit the coin once more to PCGS, hoping they may have made a mistake when I had initially submitted it. Unfortunately, it was returned once again, uncertified! Begrudgingly, I then contacted Jack and shared my dilemma. He immediately told me to ship the coin back to him, including the original invoice, along with the paperwork from PCGS.

After receiving the coin, Jack phoned to say that he, too, was unable to determine whether the coin had been altered. There were no “tool” marks visible, nor were there any signs of an ancient cleaning or recoloration. Without hesitation, Jack told me it was up to me whether I still wanted to keep the coin, or that he would refund my money in full, including the PCGS grading fees, postage and insurance expenses incurred. Hesitantly, I decided on the latter for the refund. Keep in mind that several years had elapsed since I had purchased the coin from Jack, and yet he reimbursed me without any further ado.

Jack also has a very humorous side to him. At a Long Beach Coin Expo, my wife and I stopped off at his table to show him a particular coin I owned from a series he always enjoyed. The coin happened to be one of the highest graded for its attributed stage. After scrutinizing it under magnification at great length, with a wry grin, Jack loudly proclaimed: “It’s got a lot of meat on the bone, just like I like my women,” as he mischievously gazed at his wife Sondra who rolled her eyes!

Jack has generously given so much back to the numismatic community. He always took the time to educate the collectors, young and old, whom he would come in contact with. Humbly, I want to take this opportunity to wish him a happy retirement. He is 90 years young, and I will greatly miss his cordial involvement in our hobby, and seeing his full page ads in the major numismatic publications. To reiterate: A much-deserved, happy retirement, Jack!

Sam Lukes
Visalia, Calif.

1884 Trade Dollar Mintage Correction

In the July 11 issue of Numismatic News, last page, there is a short article on the 1884 Trade dollar. The question of a 264 mintage for 1884 is discussed. The figure is fiscal (July 1, 1883, to June 30, 1884) but covers only proof coins made in 1883 as none were officially made in 1884. By error, the 264 number also includes those pieces struck in June 1883. It should be 252 for the 1884 fiscal year.

No 1884 proof Trade dollars were officially delivered by the coiner in 1884, meaning that the 1884 coins were struck in secret.

R.W. Julian
Numismatic News columnist

An 1893 Indian Head Cent Found in Change

In 1893, according to statistics, five pounds of flour retailed for 14.5 cents, one pound of bacon sold for 12.5 cents, butter by the pound went for 25.5 cents, a half gallon of milk was bought with 13.5 cents and five pounds of sugar could be had for 34.5 cents. Interesting, these statistics were tabulated into the half cents, even though half cents had ceased decades previously.

Inflation and the modern economy have changed these prices.

Recently, prominent pioneering longtime Martinez, Calif., socialites and ranchers, farming on property traced back to the 1890s, went shopping at a local Safeway, likely for the items noted above.

True, the prices have increased but, in change, Manual Cunha, respected Martinez civic citizen, received an 1893 Indian Head cent, in his change. This 1893 cent would be graded Fine to Very Fine with a faint full Liberty.

Manual and his wife, Linda, a day later attended the neighboring Livermore Valley Coin Club meeting, sharing this cent in the show-and-tells, and it generated smiles and “wows.” The Cunhas allowed me to have the 1893 Indian head cent to author a submission for Numismatic News.

This does confirm that one should check his or her change and that paying in cash might, just might, bring “bling” in one’s hand, over swiping or inserting a credit or debit card.

Yet, just as interesting is, how did an Indian cent continue in circulation for 130 years? Also, if that cent could talk, the whole realm of the great and famous events and happenings (and not so famous plus infamous) this cent witnessed. How many pockets and purses did it pass through? Truly, Manual and Linda did find “history in their hands.”

Most obviously, the 1893 Indian cent was from a collection. But, for Numismatic News readers, it is a tale to share. I would welcome other readers to share like or similar finds.

The joy of our “world of money” is not only in slabs or MS grading or full album pages; it is in the finding.

Some years ago, John P. Russell, Jr., active in northern California local coin clubs, once remarked, “the hunt and the finding are the thrill.” An 1893 Indian Head cent in change at a Safeway in Martinez, Calif., is verification of that remark.

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.